Kiln Dried Oak

Timberpride offers high grade kiln dried oak. Kiln drying is the process which artificially increases the rate of moisture reduction in timber by introducing heat and causing evaporation, which gradually achieves the desired, uniform moisture level throughout the log.

Whilst this process is quicker than air drying it takes time to produce a well dried board without drying defect. Before the artificial process can begin all fresh sawn timber is stored in stick and allowed to air dry for between 6 and 24 months, depending on thickness. Initial air drying is an essential part of the process. Kilning can take between 6 weeks and 8 months.

Kiln drying can only finish the process and is a reliable method of achieving the consistent moisture levels that are needed in today's centrally heated homes.

To control the rate of moisture removal, battens are used to stack the layers apart. Starting around 10mm for the first year and increasing to 20mm for the second year.

A pre-drying oven (pre-kiln) is commonly used in the third year to warm and circulate the air and help move moisture from the centre of the wood to the outside before the wood is further dried in a kiln for several weeks.